What Are Period Undies- And Do They Really Work?

Ever since I started stocking period undies, I've been asked the same question time and time again – does period underwear actually work? In this episode of our Nourished Life podcast I speak to Kristy Chong, the founder of Modibodi, to find out what period undies are and if they really work.

I can't even begin to articulate how different my teenage years would have been if period undies had been invented. Luckily for the next generation, Australian owned period proof underwear brand Modibodi is smashing the stigma around all things menstruation- and let me tell you, these are no ordinary undies! While Modibodi's leak proof underwear for periods are designed specifically for light bladder leaks and, of course, periods, they're also helping our planet.

In this episode of Talking Clean with Irene, the Nourished Life podcast, I'm chatting to Kristy Chong, the creator of Modibodi period underwear. Today, we're getting really honest about our own experiences with menstruation. Join Kristy and me for a heartfelt chat about reusable, absorbent, leak proof period underwear that actually last the distance. According to Kristy, 1 in 5 women have heavy periods – if that's you, this episode could just be a gamechanger.

So- what are period undies? And how do they work?

Period undies are underwear designed specifically to protect women from light bladder leaks, period overflow, spotting and sweat. They work by absorbing liquid through the top layer straight through to the middle layer, with a waterproof layer that protects your clothing from leakage.

Are period proof undies better for the environment?

Period underwear can be thrown in the washing machine like your regular underwear (as recommended by Kristy!), meaning you aren't contributing to physical waste in the way you would be when changing your pad or tampon. Some women, particularly those with a heavy flow, may find that period underwear doesn't provide them with quite as much protection as they'd like. In those instances, I recommend using your period proof underwear in conjunction with a menstrual cup for a truly zero-waste period! The Juju range of menstrual cups (and period undies!) are a Nourished Life favourite as they have so many options for different women, bodies and flows. They're so comfortable, you'll almost forget you even have your period!

Are these Australia's best period undies?!

One of the many things I love about Modibodi is that their mission really is to educate, break down taboos and open up honest, meaningful conversations about periods so that women no longer feel ashamed about menstruation.

Modibodi's Give A Pair Program is another part of what makes this Australian brand so special. For every $25 voucher purchased on the Modibodi website, Modibodi will donate two physical pairs of period proof underwear to shelters and people in need. Domestic and family violence is the principle cause of homelessness for women and children across Australia, with thousands of people fleeing to shelters with little money leaving them unable to afford feminine hygiene products. Modibodi's Give A Pair Program gives them access to quality, period proof underwear, ensuring they aren't forced to use newspapers or bulky rags to absorb leakage any more.